'Death is not the Worst Thing': The Presbyterian Press in Canada, 1913-1919

摘要

In Our Glory and Our Grief: Torontonians and the Great War, historian Ian Miller tells the story of the funeral for Captain Robert Darling of the 48th Highlanders held at St James' Presbyterian church on Gerard Street in Toronto. The unit had sustained large losses at Second Ypres and had many Presbyterians in its ranks. On the day of Darling's funeral, the streets were filled with men, women and children extending two blocks on every side of the church. Thousands more would line the route of the funeral procession. Miller goes on to describe the church as being filled with 48th Highlander comrades, while the coffin was piped in and the royal flag of Scotland was front and centre at the lectern. The minister, Reverend Dr Robertson, comforted the grieving with the passage 'Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends'. Recognising Captain Darling's sacrifice, Dr Robertson suggested: 'He laid down his life when life was opening for him, holding everything he hoped for or could desire. I am not sure any of us would have it otherwise. It is good to die so. Death is not the worst thing that can happen to a man'.